North Shore, MN Travel Guide
I absolutely LOVE going up to the North Shore. It’s unlike anything else in Minnesota and there are SO many things to do along the way. I’ve visited quite a few times and discover new things every time so I put together this guide so you don’t miss out on anything!
Where to Stay
The North Shore starts in Duluth, MN and goes up to Grand Portage, MN, which is 145 miles long. It’s hard to tell you where to stay because there are so many things to do along the way so I recommend staying somewhere in between or closer to the Lutsen area. We always stay in Lutsen and it’s the perfect middle ground for all the amazing state parks.
Cabin in Lutsen
We stay at my boyfriend’s grandpa’s cabin in Lutsen. It’s definitely not the cheapest option, but we get to stay in it for free so that’s what we go with when it’s available. If it’s something you can afford, I promise it’s worth it! The cabin is so cozy from the fireplace, to the comfy beds, to the cabin vibes. We don’t go out to eat a ton and just cook in the full kitchen. And the sunrises are priceless! You can book it here.
What Time of Year to Visit
I’ve been to the North Shore for every season and each one is beautiful and offers something unique! I really couldn’t tell you which time is the best because each season has it’s pros and cons. I’ll let you decide!
Winter: The obvious con is the weather. If you enjoy winter outdoor activities then it’s a great time to head up and ski/snowboard at Lutsen Mountains or snowshoe or do some winter hiking, but the wind chill is brutal so you need to bundle up even more than if you are just in the Twin Cites. I would also say the weather is a pro. The landscape is beautiful with the snow covering it. Icicles form on the rocks formations, shards of ice are shoved up to the shore creating a shelf of layered ice along the shoreline. It’s the least busy time to be around the North Shore unless you’re skiing or snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains. Then you’ll find the crowds.
Spring: It’s wet and muddy and the leaves are still blooming on the trees. This time of year is probably my least favorite. However, if you don’t like heat, bugs, and crowds, then Spring is the best time to go! The bugs aren’t out yet, kids are still in school so the crowds aren’t there, and the temperature is still a little chilly.
Summer: Your best chance at having sunshine and not the cloudy skies the North Shore is known for will be during the summer. With that comes bugs. However, summertime has the most activities and everything’s open! Some businesses close down once it starts getting cold but everything will be open in the Summer. You can finally swim in the one of the many lakes, rivers, watering holes you’ll find along the North Shore. Lake Superior will only be warm along the shallow bays and beaches, otherwise the lake stays pretty chilly.
Fall: Comparable to the East Coast, the North Shore is stunning in the Fall. The Fall colors are breathtaking. This is probably the busiest time of the year for hiking. Everyone is out trying to see the gorgeous landscape. If that’s why you are visiting, try to go during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Summer and Fall are the busiest seasons to visit the North Shore
Tips for a North Shore Trip
#1 – Bring your own Groceries
Once you get past Two Harbors, the grocery stores are over-priced. You’ll be paying almost double for everything. So either pack a cooler with groceries from home or swing by the Super One in Two Harbors before heading further North or else be prepared to pay extra at the convenience stores. If you do need a couple things, there are stores in Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, & Grand Portage. The Clearview General Store is a little better than the Tofte Store so if you are between the two, go there!
#2 – winter Weather
The weather on the North Shore is quite the beast during the Winter. Between the blowing snow & wind chill you will need to pack many layers. Make sure you bundle up and wear face protection if you are spending anytime outside. I wear this face mask for snowboarding and trips to the North Shore, lol.
#3 – How to avoid Crowds
You will be around a lot of people during the Summer and Fall seasons so how do you avoid crowds? Do everything early or late, or visit in the Winter or early Spring. From about 9am – 3pm everyone is out hiking or exploring the small towns. Or if you’re able to take a trip during the week versus the weekend, that will help out as well!
things to Do on the north shore
#1 – Hiking
There are SO many hikes along the North Shore, you won’t be disappointed! If you only have a weekend, you can probably get in at least 1-2 hikes a day depending on how long they are. My favorite hikes NOT in State Parks are: Mount Josephine, White Sky Rock, & Caribou River Trail. My favorite State Parks are: Cascade River, Tettegouche, & Temperance River. I have another blog about Hikes on the North Shore as well!
#2 – Visit the Black sand Beach
You don’t have to go to Hawaii to find a Black Beach! This is located in Silver Bay, MN. Lake Superior can get pretty wicked so make sure to dress appropriately when visiting this beach depending on the time of the year.
#3 – Pull off at Viewpoints
There are so many viewpoints to pull-off at along HWY 61. If you see one that looks cool, stop at it!
#4 – See sea caves
You can see Sea Caves from Sea Cave Beach that’s right off of HWY 61. It’s a short trail down to the beach, but make sure you take the trail that’s close to the bridge on the pull-off. I took the trail that had a sign saying “No Camping” and it was very steep and rough. Took the other trail back and it was much easier! Some people bring their own kayaks and kayak through the caves, so that’s an option too!
#5 – Drive along the North Shore scenic Highway
A little North of Duluth up to Two Harbors, there’s an option to drive along the Scenic Highway instead of continuing on HWY 61. I think it’s worth it to do it once, but that’s it. A lot of Lake Superior is still blocked by trees, so it’s not exactly “scenic” the entire way.
#6 – Lutsen Gondola
Outside of the winter time, you can take the Lutsen Gondola to see views of the North Shore or the Fall Colors, but here’s my hot take, at $30/adult, I’d skip it. If you have kids, I can see why it would be a fun thing to do but if you think your kids can do a decently Easy hike that’s a 2.2 mile Loop, then hike Oberg Mountain instead for free! You get insane views of Lake Superior and Oberg Lake and I think they’re better than what you get from the gondola. But if you want to spend the money, the Lutsen Gondola will still be fun! You could also do the Alpine Slide and pay for the combo and get a better deal on both. Ticket info here.
#7 – Ski or Snowboard at Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen Mountain is the tallest ski hill in Minnesota. As a snowboarder, this is one of the few places I enjoy snowboarding in Minnesota because the runs take longer than 5 seconds to get down. Be prepared for extremely cold weather. I’ve never found myself at Lutsen Mountain and it not be in the negative degrees. For this reason, prepare to do something different if that cold of weather sounds miserable to you. This pic is in Colorado heads up. I don’t have one from snowboarding at Lutsen because it’s too cold to get your camera out.
#8 – Enjoy a Wine Flight at north Shore Winery
This Winery is located in Lutsen, on your way up to the ski hill. The wine is good year round and they often have a food truck outside during nicer weather! Check their event calendar to see if anything exciting is going on. I’ve seen live music there and gone to a Holiday Market. I’ve been to a few different wineries in Minnesota an haven’t found many that I thought stood out but this one is really good for being in Minnesota (a state not really known for wine)!
#9 – Visit a Maple Syrup Shop in the woods
Wild Country Maple Syrup has a shop about 20 minutes Northwest of Lutsen that’s worth the trip. It’s a little adventure out to the middle of the woods and is run on the honor system. You can pay with cash, Venmo, or there are credit card slips. You HAVE to get the maple caramels. They are to die for. Make sure to check the hours because it’s not open all the time!
#10 – Shop in Grand Marais
There are tons of shops you can swing into in Grand Marais. One of my favorites is “The Big Lake”.
#11 – Walk out to Artist’s Point Grand Marais
Artist’s Point features a lighthouse and breakwater trail. It’s free to walk out and check out the views of Lake Superior and you can walk right up to the lighthouse!
Restaurant Recommendations
New Scenic Cafe
American & Vegetarian food. New Scenic Cafe is pricier but also one of my favorites. It’s located on the Scenic Route of HWY 61 just North of Duluth. The menu is always changing so I can’t recommend anything but I’ve never had a bad item from here!
Betty’s pies
Betty’s Pies has some World Famous Pies. I’ve tried Betty’s Pies versus Rustic Inn Cafe’s Pies and I would argue that Rustic is better, however Betty’s does pie shakes and that’s something you can’t get just anywhere so I think it’s still worth a stop!
Rustic Inn Cafe
American, breakfast, & dessert food. Rustic Inn Cafe is my favorite restaurant right on HWY 61 in Two Harbors. I recommend the Reuben and the North Shore Berry Crumb pie! It’s a busy restaurant so expect to have to wait for a table, they do not take reservations.
Lockport Marketplace
This is a deli, cafe, & grocery store all in one in Lutsen. But you should definitely check it out for breakfast! Try the Biscuits & Gravy or Sourdough Pancakes!
The fisherman’s Daughter
The Fisherman’s Daughter is a seafood spot in Grand Marais that’s quick counter service and great food! The Fish and Chips are caught fresh. Being a Wisconsin girl, the cheese curds were pretty mediocre so I wouldn’t recommend those but everything else was SO good!
The Angry Trout
The Angry Trout is another seafood restaurant in Grand Marais. It’s a little pricier than The Fisherman’s Daughter and you will most likely have to wait for a while if you go on the weekend but it has really good food!
Sven & Ole’s Pizza
Sven & Ole’s Pizza is a staple of Grand Marais. You guessed it, they serve Pizza!
Sydney’s frozen Custard & Wood-Fired Pizzas
Sydney’s serves wood-fired pizzas & frozen custard. I haven’t tried their pizza but the custard is really good! Bonus is they have spectacular lake views either from the back patio area or the rooftop!
Coffee Shop Recommendations
Cedar Coffee Company
This coffee shop is nestled in the woods in Two Harbors, MN. The coffee is amazing and they have great smoothies too!
Schroeder Baking Co
Schroeder Baking Company is a seasonal coffeehouse (closed during cold weather) providing breakfast sandwiches, pizza, calzones, pastries, and ice cream in Schroeder. I would recommend the baked goods but as far as the coffee goes, I don’t love it, also don’t hate it.
fika Coffee
Fika Coffee is located in Lutsen, MN and is probably my favorite coffee along the North Shore. I get the Maple Latte every time I go but if you don’t like your coffee sweet, their cold brew or drip coffee is fantastic as well!
Java Moose
Java Moose is located in Grand Marais, MN. The inside is very cozy and you have great views of the harbor! I often get their seasonal drinks or a latte and they’ve always been really good!
